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The Aesthetics of Going Green

It’s hard to believe that despite all of the benefits, economic and otherwise, of solar energy and other eco-friendly energy systems, mere issues of aesthetics are still deemed more important. USA Today reports that states are taking steps to ensure that green benefits outweigh the common complaints that wind turbines and solar panels are eyesores.

Matt Burdick’s family in Arizona, where it is sunny a whopping 300 days a year, fought hard to win approval for the solar panels that would eventually heat his swimming pool and create a greener home. Most of the resistance arises from stringent homeowners’ associations—think housing plans and their mailbox regulations or shrub requirements! Matt lobbied the state government to get these associations out of the decision-making process, and was successful. Now his pool is nice and warm.

When these associations shoot down certain ideas, individuals often don’t know what to do next legally or what the law really says. A lot of green issues lack precedent, in general. This is why state governments are trying to work with the homeowners’ associations to come to compromises and make sure everyone is aware of the processes involved with going green. National bills that are sitting dormant right now would be the most effective way to go forward with regulations, but until then, it will be up to families like the Burdicks’ to effect change. [USA Today]

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